Probing the misconception:

Passive forces don't exist (tables don't exert a normal force).

References Description

 

Below is a picture of a hand holding a ball against a wall. The student is asked to describe all of the forces acting on the ball.

 

Correct Answer

 

Some students are hesitant to believe that passive objects can exert a force. They will often omit description of any (or all) forces exerted by the wall on the ball.

 

 

 

 

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